A cylindrical screen is known as a rotary screen. As the rotary screen rotates, the color is applied from within. Instead of using flat screens, rotary screen printing makes use of cylindrical screens. Once more, each color of the design being printed requires its own screen. Numerous colors must be used for more intricate designs, and standard rotary screen printing machines can accommodate up to 20 screens. The print paste is fed from within the rotating screens as they come into contact with the substrate. Using a metal squeegee blade, the paste is pushed out of the screen’s interior. Once more, the cloth is affixed to an uninterrupted, machine-washable rubber blanket; however, in rotary screen printing the contrast to flat screen printing, which uses a start-stop motion, fabric and substrate are fed continuously through the machine.
Principle of Operations
The screen printing method
Which includes applying ink to the cylindrical object’s surface through a mesh screen, is applied by round screen printing machines. As if it were a stencil, the screen lets ink flow through certain regions to produce the desired design.
Round Screen Printing Machine Components
- Conveyor system or rotary table
To ensure even coverage during printing, cylindrical objects are usually positioned on a conveyor system or rotary table that rotates them.
- Screen frame
The mesh screen with the intended print design is held in place by the screen frame. It can frequently be adjusted to fit a variety of cylindrical object sizes.
- Squeegee system
The ink is applied to the cylindrical surface by pressing it through the mesh screen with a squeegee. The squeegee can be run automatically or by hand.
- Ink system
To store and transfer ink to the screen for printing, round screen printing machines come with an ink system.
- Drying system
To cure the ink and guarantee adherence to the cylindrical object, a drying system is used following the printing process.
Uses of Machine
- Bottles and Containers
Round screen printing machines are widely used in the packaging industry to print on a range of materials, such as glass, plastic, and metal bottles, containers, and tubes.
- Promotional Products
Moreover, they are employed for printing on pens, drink ware, and other cylindrical promotional items.
Advantages of Machine
Three key benefits set rotary printing apart from other flat screen technologies: first, its extreme productivity, 10,000–12,000 yards can typically be printed in an 8-hour shift—second, its ability to replicate any type of design, and third, the amazing precision with which every element of a complex multicolored pattern can be precisely placed, avoiding imperfect joints at points of repetition, to know more about is you can view more here.
Disadvantages of Machine
The primary drawback is that we have to frequently alter the design, which makes it expensive for small orders. Orders for lakhs of meters of the same design are extremely hard to come by.
Round Screen Printed Machine Automation
Manual vs. Automatic
While some round screen printing machines are automatic and minimize human intervention while maximizing production efficiency, others are manual and require operators to perform specific tasks.
Selecting a round screen printing machine that meets the demands of your printing applications is crucial, as is keeping up with recommended maintenance practices to guarantee top performance.
Will Screen Printing Ink Fade?
Despite the fact that screen printing ink is meant to last, it may eventually fade. And when that occurs, the ink fading could be caused by a variety of factors.
UV Ray Exposure
A screen print ink’s fading tendency increases when it is exposed to too much sunlight. It’s crucial to make every effort to keep designs out of direct sunlight in order to prevent this. It’s also critical to remember that different inks fade at different rates. High pigment content inks, like plastisol inks, have a far higher fading resistance than thinner or lower pigment content inks.
Inadequate Curing
Screen printing inks must all be cured in order to become permanent; if this step is skipped, the ink may start to progressively fade. The curing procedure necessitates exposing the ink to a specific temperature for a defined period of time in order to ensure proper curing. This must be completed correctly.
Improper Washing
There is a chance that screen-printed material will fade if it is improperly cleaned. Therefore, it’s crucial to always wash screen-printed clothing according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. For example, while some inks can be washed in hot water and dried in a dryer, others must be washed in cold water and allowed to air dry.
Conclusion
Screen printing is very popular because it creates sharp, durable images. It is also a very versatile printing method because it can be used to print on a wide range of materials, including metal, glass, and fabrics. The material is directly covered with ink, producing vibrant, strong colours that are resistant to fading and runoff.
FAQs
How is screen printing faded?
Every printed design eventually fades, particularly after several washings. As a result, all it takes to remove the design from your product is routine washing. Just remember to wear your clothing right side out to speed up the erasure process of the design.
Does round screen printing wash off?
Screen printing should withstand washing and drying for the duration of the shirt. If the shirt isn’t properly cared for, it may fade.
How much time does ink last for screen printing?
Designs for screen-printed T-shirts that withstand at least forty washing machine cycles. The viscous screen printing ink penetrates the fabric deeply. By washing the shirt on a gentle cycle, inside out, or by hand, you can prolong the life of a screen-printed design.
